Your target heart rate is a useful way of pacing yourself when you exercise, to make sure your level of activity is not too high or too low. You also can use your target heart rate to evaluate your initial fitness level and your progress over time. To do this, you'll need to measure your heart rate from time to time as you exercise. Click here to learn more about target heart rate and how it is calculated.

Note: This tool is not intended for children or elderly and is meant to be a guide only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this tool if you are taking any medications that affect your heart rate, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers or digoxin. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or any other chronic disease, talk to your doctor before starting to exercise. Ask your doctor what your target heart rate should be.